“Metastatic breast cancer, also called stage IV or advanced breast cancer, is not a specific type of breast cancer, but rather the most advanced stage of breast cancer,” said Mensch. “Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other organs in the body.”

Metastatic breast cancer patients continue to face many unique challenges, such as the emotional and physical demands of continual treatment. Currently no cure exists for metastatic breast cancer and those with metastatic breast cancer will continue treatment indefinitely with the goal of extending the best quality life possible. More than one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetimes. Nationally, about 252,710 women and 2,470 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2017. Specifically in Pennsylvania, it is expected that 11,300 women and 111 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017.

“Metastatic breast cancer cuts short the lives of too many people in Pennsylvania leaving a lasting effect on their families,” said Mensch. “It is important that we recognize the need for an additional focus on the personal and social burdens of metastatic breast cancer, the needs of the patient, and promising research efforts in the development of more effective treatments.”